Month: March 2026

Council Leader: Calders incident shows strength in community

Council Leader Jane Meagher reflects on the strength of Edinburgh’s diverse communities

I’ve used the time since the knife attacks in the Calders last Monday to reflect on the strong sense of community that we enjoy here in Edinburgh – and on the many benefits that come from our incredible diversity (writes City of Edinburgh Counci leader JANE MEAGHER). As Nelson Mandela famously said, ‘our differences are our strength ’.

What has struck me most following this isolated, albeit frightening incident, is the way that those in the community were able to rally and unite in the face of adversity.

This was abundantly clear when I visited the Calders to spend time with the community and with council colleagues in our schools, early years centre and in our housing service – all of whom were impacted by what had happened.

What stood out was the selfless way they focused on the safety and wellbeing of those in their care – and I want to thank everyone who played their part during and after the incident, including of course the Police and other emergency services.

I was particularly heartened by the conversation I had with local shopkeeper, Mr Hussain, whose store was badly damaged by the attacker. Despite what he’d been through, he spoke proudly of the kind-hearted support he’d received from across the community and how they’d helped him clear up his shop.

We are all reminded in these circumstances of the need to stand together – and of the importance of community spirit and tolerance.

From our long-standing links with the Norwegians and Poles during and after World War II to the thousands of Ukrainians, Afghans and Syrians who now call Edinburgh home, we’re proud to be a city of sanctuary – welcoming all those who come here in search of a better life.

Many have lived here for generations and some of our best loved institutions – cafes, bars, restaurants and other family businesses – are only here thanks to incomers. Those who care for us, either in the community or in hospitals include people from other parts of the world. Our city and its culture are all the better for it.

Sadly, there are those who will seek to spread hate, division and misinformation on the back of last week’s incident. Of course, people have a right to make their views heard, and to travel great distances to do so, but I condemn the opportunism and ignorance shown by some, particularly online.

One way we can combat such intolerance is to recognise and celebrate the strength and diversity of our communities across the city, comprising people from all walks of life, cultures, and backgrounds.

It was timely, then, that earlier this week councillors agreed a new Equal Edinburgh framework, which will help us do just that. We want all residents to be able to easily access and benefit from the services that meet their needs – without stigma and in a way that suits them.

Developed in partnership with our communities and partners, we hope that this will also help to reduce isolation, while fostering good community relations across the city.

We’re lucky to live in such a welcoming and diverse city. Our strength lies in all those who call Edinburgh home – our shared experiences sit alongside our differences – and we all have a part to play in keeping it that way.

This article first appeared in Edinburgh Evening News (12 March)

Earth Matters: Free exhibition at The Botanics

20th MARCH – 1st NOVEMBER

🌍 What’s really beneath your feet? Dig into the hidden world of soil with our new exhibition Earth Matters, opening next week.

Marking 300 years since the birth of James Hutton, the Edinburgh-born geologist who transformed how we understand the ground beneath our feet, 30 artists unearth the beauty and brilliance of the living ecosystem.

📅 Open daily from Friday 20 March at Inverleith House Gallery, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

Earth Matters is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and the Edinburgh Geological Society with special thanks to The James Hutton Institute.

Firearm recovered from Niddrie park

Officers from Police Scotland’s serious and organised crime unit have recovered a firearm in Edinburgh.

On Thursday, 12 March 2026, specialist officers searched a wooded area near to Niddrie Mains Road in Edinburgh and discovered a firearm and ammunition

It’s currently unclear if the weapon has been used in the commission of a crime however it will now undergo stringent forensic analysis to establish any wider connections

The recovery is part of ongoing investigations into serious and organised crime across the central belt of Scotland.

Detective Chief Inspector George Calder said: “This recovery will be a significant blow to organised crime groups, I have no doubt this firearm would have been used in violence, which would have resulted in serious injury, or worse.

“I hope this latest find helps to reassure the community of our continued resolve to target those involved in organised crime and demonstrates our commitment to dismantling these groups.

“The public may not always see what we are doing but rest assured a significant level of work is ongoing to disrupt these criminal networks. We are never complacent when it comes to serious organised crime.

“We continue to work closely with our colleagues in partner agencies and the public, sharing information, resources and intelligence in stamping out this illegal activity.

“This is in line with our commitment to achieving the aim and vision of Scotland’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy Taskforce.”

The next Scottish Government must tackle the country’s shocking rise in accidental deaths 

  • Accidental deaths in Scotland have risen by 61% over the last decade, now exceeding 2,500 fatalities each year, the highest death rate of all the UK nations  
  • Falls account for 42% of all accidental deaths, with people in Scotland 45% more likely to die from a fall than those elsewhere in the UK 
  • The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) launches manifesto for the next Scottish Government to tackle the accident crisis  

Safety charity the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has warned that Scotland is experiencing a severe and worsening accidental death crisis, with fatalities rising by 61% over the past decade. 

Calling on the next Scottish Government to prioritise accident prevention as an urgent public health and economic issue, the charity has published an action plan of policy recommendations to tackle the crisis. 

RoSPA’s new Towards a Safer Scotland manifesto sets out evidence-led measures to reduce deaths and serious injuries across roads, homes, workplaces, and water environments, and is urging ministers and candidates to treat accidental harm with the same seriousness as other major health threats. 

Accidents now claim more than 2,500 lives annually in Scotland, with the nation recording an accidental death rate 56 per cent higher than the UK average. Falls are the leading cause, while transport-related fatalities and drowning incidents remain significantly above UK-wide levels.

The impact extends beyond personal tragedy: accidents cost the NHS billions each year and remove thousands from the workforce. People in deprived communities are also more likely to suffer an accident, compounding other health inequalities. 

RoSPA is proposing a series of targeted interventions including safer home design standards, mandatory driver eyesight testing, strengthened motorcycle safety provision, and mandatory water safety education in schools. 

Drawing on RoSPA’s experience working in partnership with the Scottish Government on projects such as the Scottish Occupational Road Safety Alliance (ScORSA) and Water Safety Scotland, the charity believes that these measures could prevent avoidable deaths while easing pressure on Scotland’s public services. 

Rebecca Hickman, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Scotland is facing a silent epidemic of accidental deaths, and the scale of harm is now impossible to ignore. Every statistic represents a person whose life could have been saved with proven interventions.

“We are urging the next Scottish Government to make accident prevention a national priority, because the evidence shows that coordinated action will save lives, protect communities and relieve pressure on the NHS.

“Accidents are not inevitable. With clear national leadership and consistent standards across Scotland, we can significantly reduce preventable harm. RoSPA’s proposals give policymakers the tools they need to act quickly and effectively.” 

Key recommendations from the manifesto:

1. Road Safety 

RoSPA calls for three priority actions to reduce road deaths and serious injuries: 

  • Empower local authorities to set safe speed limits, including wider use of 20mph zones where appropriate to protect pedestrians, cyclists and communities.  
  • Introduce mandatory eyesight testing for all drivers every three years, addressing declining vision as a major but under‑recognised collision risk.  
  • Continue dedicated motorcycle‑safety funding, supporting advanced rider training and targeted safety campaigns due to Scotland’s disproportionately high motorcyclist fatality rates.  

2. Home and product safety 

To tackle Scotland’s high rate of home‑based injuries and deaths, the manifesto recommends: 

  • Establish permanent national home‑safety programmes, including home‑risk assessments, safety advice and provision of essential equipment for vulnerable households.  
  • Mandate Safer by Design standards, including embedding BS 5395‑1 stair‑safety principles into Scottish building regulations for all new homes.  
  • Reestablish Home Safety Scotland to provide national leadership and coordinate preventative work across partners.  

3. Leisure safety & drowning prevention 

RoSPA is urging the adoption of three key measures to improve water safety and reduce the number of drowning fatalities: 

  • Endorse and support the next Scotland Drowning Prevention Strategy (from 2026) to sustain national progress.  
  • Make classroom water‑safety education mandatory using Water Safety Scotland and Education Scotland resources.  
  • Mandate Drowning and Incident Reviews (DIR), ensuring all relevant agencies participate in consistent post‑incident learning.  

4. Occupational safety and health 

To address changing work patterns, data gaps and emerging hazards, RoSPA calls for: 

  • A comprehensive study into the gig economy, examining scale, conditions and fair compensation for work‑related risks.  
  • Development of Scotland‑specific transferable health and safety qualifications to maintain skills as workers move between sectors.  
  • Improved data‑sharing between Police Scotland and the Health and Safety Executive, via a formal Memorandum of Understanding for clearer referral criteria and timely evidence-sharing. 

The rising accidental death rate is a major strategic challenge for Scotland, affecting health, productivity, and inequality. Addressing it will require coordinated action across government, emergency services, local authorities, and industry. 

Landmark deal for teachers

Scotland’s teachers to benefit from fully-funded classroom hours reduction

Scotland’s teachers will see a reduction in class contact time after a landmark agreement was reached – averting industrial action in schools.

A weekly reduction of 90 minutes will be introduced on a phased basis, with primary school teachers and those working in special schools benefiting from August 2027. Secondary school teachers will follow two years later.

The Scottish Government has committed to meeting the full cost of implementing this agreement, including £40 million in 2026-27 for the recruitment of additional teachers required to deliver the change.

Further funding to support this deal will be provided from 2027-28. An additional recurring investment of £1 million will be made to support rural and island communities that face challenges in recruiting teachers.

The deal was agreed by the Scottish Government and the EIS earlier this week before being ratified by COSLA during a meeting earlier today.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “This is a significant milestone for Scotland’s teaching profession. I am delighted that we have been able to reach a deal that works for teachers, parties in local government and most importantly our children and young people.

“I want to thank the EIS in particular for their constructive engagement and dialogue. This deal shows what can be achieved when we all work together in the interests of children and teachers. 

“Avoiding industrial action was essential – particularly at this critical time when pupils are preparing for their exams. This agreement ensures that any potential disruption to their learning has been averted.

“By giving teachers more protected time, we are taking meaningful action to reduce workload and stress, supporting a healthier, more sustainable teaching profession that will deliver better outcomes for children and young people across Scotland.

“This is a landmark investment in the teaching profession and in the quality of education that every child and young person in Scotland deserves.”

First Minister John Sweeney added: “I am pleased that agreement has been reached with the EIS and COSLA to suspend planned teacher strikes.

“This deal supports teachers, protects learning time for pupils, especially those preparing for exams, and shows what can be achieved through constructive partnership.”

COSLA Resources Spokesperson, Councillor Ricky Bell, commented: “COSLA Leaders met this morning (Friday) to consider the issue of Reduced Class Contact Time (RCCT) and the potential for industrial action by members of the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS).

“Following considerable deliberations among council leaders, COSLA agreed to support the proposed way forward – fully funded by Scottish Government – which we expect will enable the EIS to rescind their notice to strike.

“The joint statement agreed with the Scottish Government and the EIS commits Local Government to developing implementation plans for the introduction of Reduced Class Contact Time of 90 minutes per week. We recognise that concessions have been made on all sides.

“Despite concerns being expressed by councils, in the interests of reaching a constructive way forward and attempting to avert planned strike action, Leaders have agreed to support the joint approach. Throughout implementation, COSLA will always prioritise what is in the best interest of children and young people.

“Further detail will be negotiated through the SNCT.”

The EIS has announced that it is suspending all planned industrial action over teacher workload, following an agreement being reached between the EIS, Scottish Government and Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA).

A draft agreement, approved earlier this week by both the EIS and Scottish Government, was also approved by COSLA leaders at a meeting earlier today.

The draft agreement, as approved by all three sides, will now pass to the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers (SNCT) for formal approval and implementation.

The agreement will deliver the promised 90-minute per week reduction in the maximum class contact time for teachers as a means to tackling excessive teacher workload and to provide more time for teachers to undertake important areas of activity such as the preparation and correction of pupil work.

Commenting today, EIS General Secretary Andrea Bradley said, “The EIS is extremely pleased that a negotiated outcome, which has been approved by all sides, has now been achieved in this long-running dispute.

“This agreement will have a positive impact on teacher workload and will help to create more jobs for the many newly and recently qualified teachers currently seeking secure employment in schools across Scotland.

“This is a positive outcome for Scottish education, and for teachers and pupils. It will deliver more teachers into our schools, with a positive impact on teacher workload and the creation of an improved learning environment and experience for pupils.”

Ms Bradley added, “It is the collective strength of Scotland’s teachers, working through the EIS, that has delivered this positive outcome.

“We are extremely pleased that both the Scottish Government and COSLA have listened to the very clear message that was sent by EIS members, and have now agreed the way forward on these positive changes for Scottish education.

“This agreement will help to deliver a brighter future for our schools, and for all teachers and pupils across Scotland.”

Drylaw Telford Community Council to host Holyrood Elections Hustings

MONDAY 30th MARCH 6.30pm

at DRYLAW NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE

WE’RE HOSTING A HUSTINGS!

🗳️Ever wanted to ask your parliamentary candidates the questions that REALLY matter to YOU?

📅 Monday, 30th March 2026

⏰ 6:30 PM

📍Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre

🎤 Edinburgh Northern Constituency Mini Hustings

👥 Hosted by Drylaw/Telford Community Council

This is YOUR chance to:

✨ Hear directly from candidates

✨ Ask YOUR questions

✨ Make an informed choice

🎟️ Tickets are LIMITED and are FREE

Get your Ticket! https://north-edinburgh-mini-hustings.eventbrite.com

Candidate lineup announced soon!

This is democracy in action, right here in OUR community.

#EdinburghNorthern

#Hustings2026

#YourVoteYourVoice

#DrylawTelford

#LocalDemocracy

Keep Scotland Beautiful: Nature and Biodiversity training course

Tickets are now available to purchase for our June Nature and Biodiversity training course 🗓️

This training provides carefully curated content to help upskill people, groups and communities so they have the knowledge required to successfully respond to the nature and biodiversity crisis, including:

– Learn how culture, infrastructure, and the systems we rely on benefit from a rich natural world.

– Learn about the pressures impacting nature and why biodiversity continues to experience a global decline that is echoed here in Scotland.

– Be inspired by case studies of organisations and actions that are making a positive difference and celebrate the range of habitats across Scotland.

– Reflect on what impact you, your organisation or your community can have to help nature recover and the co-benefits of this.

Find out more and book now:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…/nature-and-biodiversity…

Employers are failing to support neurodiversity at work

Over a third of workers (35%) think that their employer is ineffective at training managers to support neurodiversity at work, according to a new Acas survey.

The survey, carried out by YouGov, of 1,000 employees across Great Britain found that just 32% think their organisation effectively trains managers to make reasonable adjustments for neurodivergent colleagues.

By contrast, 35% said their employer was ineffective, with 18% of those describing their employer as “very ineffective.” Almost one-third (32%) of respondents said they didn’t know how effective their employer was at supporting neurodivergent staff, pointing to a potential lack of understanding of neurodiversity at work.

Julie Dennis, Acas Head of Inclusive Workplace Strategy and Policy said: “These stats show a potentially worrying lack of knowledge when it comes to supporting neurodivergent colleagues, and how to put support at the centre of workplace policies and training.

“Supporting neurodivergent staff can be simple and cost-effective, and it should be integral to any business. When everyone is given the chance to thrive, every business can too.

“Acas has advice and training for employers on how to raise awareness, be inclusive, sensitive, and stay within the law when managing neurodiversity at work.”

Neurodiversity describes the natural differences in how people’s brains behave and process information. Well-known types of neurodivergence include neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia and dyspraxia.

A lot of neurodivergent people do not see themselves as disabled but will often be considered as having a disability under the Equality Act.

The Equality Act gives disabled employees protection against discrimination and the right to reasonable adjustments at work. A reasonable adjustment is a change that an employer makes to remove or reduce a disadvantage related to someone’s disability.

According to Acas figures, around 15-20% of adults experience and process the world differently. Acas advice is that employers should make their organisation more inclusive, so that staff feel comfortable sharing and talking about neurodiversity.

Acas has some top tips for employers:

  • Support line managers: Give managers the skills and confidence to recognise needs, agree adjustments and help people perform at their best.
  • Build real knowledge: Provide practical training so everyone understands how to support neurodivergent colleagues.
  • Co‑create guidance: Work with neurodivergent staff to design policies, guidance and training that reflect real experiences and needs.

Acas has training in the year ahead on neurodiversity and advice too:

https://www.acas.org.uk/neurodiversity

Cancer patients to benefit from expanded Single Point of Contact support

Successful initiative to be rolled out across the country

A programme giving dedicated support to cancer patients throughout their treatment will be rolled out nationwide.

Following the success of 12 pilot projects, which received over £5 million in funding between 2022 and March 2025, an additional £1 million will be provided annually to expand the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) programme, reaching more people with cancer than ever before. An assessment by Healthcare Improvement Scotland found that over a 12-month period, SPOC services had more than 30,000 interactions with people affected by cancer.

The SPOC makes life easier for patients with cancer, providing easy access to clinical teams providing information and advice about appointments, tests and results, and explaining what clinical and non-clinical support is available for them and their family.

Patient feedback from the pilots highlighted reduced stress around appointments, quicker access to blood results, more time for questions, and greater emotional support. Staff reported improved wellbeing and more time for professional development and clinical care.

Announcing the expansion at Forth Valley Royal Hospital, where the SPOC navigation team has supported patients since early 2023, Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “I am very pleased to roll-out this invaluable initiative which gives people with cancer a consistent contact throughout their treatment, enabling specialist staff to focus on complex clinical care.

“The Single Point of Contact service ensures cancer patients know exactly who they can turn to when they need advice about their diagnosis or care. The expansion of this programme means more people can benefit from this type of one-to-one support which is truly making a difference.”

NHS Forth Valley Deputy Medical Director Professor Karen Adamson said: “Digital follow-up for patients with prostate cancer is transforming how we support people after diagnosis. It offers a convenient and efficient way for patients to receive their results and ongoing follow-up, without the need for unnecessary hospital visits.

“In 2024–25, 391 patients received their results and follow-up digitally, releasing the equivalent of 26 Clinical Nurse Specialist clinics so more patients can be seen and supported. Feedback shows patients value the service, describing it as quick, convenient and reassuring.

“This approach reflects our commitment to value-based health and care – improving patient experience and outcomes while making the best possible use of specialist clinical time.”